Attorney General backs virtual courts, lawyers protest demanding withdrawal
Lawyers warn of continuous protests from tomorrow.
Operating the Appellate and High Court divisions virtually two days a week has helped save energy and speed up case proceedings, Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal has said.
He made the remarks at a briefing at his office today (22 April).
He said the initiative has had a positive impact in addressing the ongoing energy shortage and would help resolve cases more quickly.
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"Virtual courts were held earlier as well. Physical hearings often involve unnecessary steps, which are reduced in a virtual system," he said.
In a notice issued on Sunday (19 April), the High Court division said judicial proceedings would be held virtually on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week.
It said the decision was taken to ensure savings in energy and electricity in view of the global economic situation.
Meanwhile, a group of lawyers staged a procession and rally at the Supreme Court demanding withdrawal of the decision.
After the programme, lawyer leaders announced fresh protest plans, including continuous demonstrations with black flags from tomorrow if the decision is not withdrawn.
Those who addressed the rally included senior lawyer Syed Mamun Mahbub, Advocate M Mahbubur Rahman Khan, Barrister Mokhlesur Islam, Advocate Maksud Ullah, Advocate Anisur Rahman Bishwas Raihan and Barrister M Ashraful Islam.
The speakers said conducting court proceedings virtually amounts to a "mockery of justice" and demanded that the decision be withdrawn immediately.
